AIM users can listen to the music on their PCs anytime their buddies are online while fully respecting copyright issues of the music industry.

In turn, AOL continued to run AIM and ICQ as independent instant messaging products, although the company’s decision means both products will be developed by ICQ Israel.

To show a powerful demonstration of what is possible, the AIM host team released a Google Earth network link which lets you dynamically look at the connections between AIM chats geographically around the world.

AIM is also noteworthy for its use of buddy icons and buddy profiles, allowing its users to construct a personal avatar and small personal information page.

AIM's setup varies greatly from Windows Live Messenger in that it does not require approval from one buddy to be added to another's buddy list (MSN's default settings notify its users after someone has added them to their list and let them choose whether or not to block that user).

AIM is known for security weaknesses that have enabled exploits to be created that use third-party software to perform a myriad of malicious acts on users' computers.

AIM is also noteworthy for its use of buddy icons and buddy profiles, allowing its users to construct a personal avatar and small personal information page.

AIM's setup varies greatly from Windows Live Messenger in that it does not require approval from one buddy to be added to another's buddy list (MSN's default settings notify its users after someone has added them to their list and let them choose whether or not to block that user).

AIM is known for security weaknesses that have enabled exploits to be created that use third-party software to perform a myriad of malicious acts on users' computers.

AIM makes it convenient for users to see when their contacts are online and to communicate with them in real time.

Wireless AIM: The AIM service is available on a wide range of cell phones, wireless devices, and PDAs through AOL partnerships with nationwide carriers ATandT Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless.

AIM Today: A window that appears alongside a user's Buddy List feature when they sign on, AIM Today provides additional ways for users to utilize instant messaging as a community-building tool and to learn tips on how to get the most out of their instant-messaging experience.

So, if you have a few buddies that you want to keep in touch with, AIM should be fine, but if you know too many people that tend to be chatty, AIM may force you to shy away from even talking through the computer.

RESTON, Virginia (CNN) -- AOL Time Warner's popular AOLInstantMessenger had a security flaw that could have enabled a hacker to invade a user's computer and wreak havoc on the system, the company and a security group said Wednesday.

AOL spokesman Andrew Weinstein said there have been no indications that hackers have exploited the flaw, which the company fixed Thursday, The Associated Press reported.

Before AOL had fixed the problem, w00w00 recommended that users restrict incoming messages to friends on their "Buddy List." A user can do this by going to "Your Preferences." In the "Privacy" section, click "Allow Only Users on My Buddy List" under "Who Can Contact Me," the security group said.

AIM Expressions is available to registered users of the Netscape Network or AOLInstantMessenger service ("AIM Service") who are at least 18 years old.

Furthermore, you must be using a system meeting the requirements required to run AOLInstantMessenger Version 5.1 or higher, which requirements may be found at http://www.aim.com/help_faq/starting_out/getstarted.adp.

Accordingly, either Netscape or AOL may seek and obtain injunctive relief against the breach or threatened breach of the foregoing undertakings, in addition to any other legal remedies that may be available.

InstantMessenger runs on your existing Internet connection, so when you connect to the Internet (in the usual way) you can use InstantMessenger just like you would use any other Internet program - by double-clicking the program icon.

Use of AOLInstantMessenger is governed by AOL's standard terms and conditions of use which are outlined here.

If you are using an earlier version of AIM and want to use your customised Contact List on different computers (like a home and office computer), you dont have to re-type all your contacts and re-enter all your preferences.

Instant messaging was originally developed as a way for individuals to chat over the Internet with others sharing similar interests (their "buddies", in AOL jargon).

Messaging has already generated "millions of extra minutes" for Sprint, which has partnered with AOL in the United States, but the downside for users is that they must pay for as long as they are logged on to the AIM service.

Although AOL is prepared to open up its InstantMessenger servers to GSM network operators, it remains steadfastly opposed to the idea of doing so for users of other instant messaging services -- although these services are not taking AOL's resistance lying down.

archives.cnn.com /2001/TECH/ptech/02/26/AOL.SMS.idg (1088 words)

AOL Instant Messenger - Lifehacker(Site not responding. Last check: )

The purpose of this project was to make a web-based AIMclient that can be used in almost any browser that supports JavaScript (such as the one included in the new PSP firmware); it uses no Java or Flash.

Instant messaging tends to get a bad rap in the productivity world, and though immedi.at could be easily abused, it could also come in very handy when you need to keep a very close eye on a feed.

BBC News reports that new computer worms are being spread through AOLinstantmessenger, installing spyware on Windows computers and turning your computer into an advertisement pop-up windowspam farm.

Set up AOLInstantMessenger and communicate instantly by typing back and forth in "real time." AOLInstantMessenger is included in AOL software, but people with other Internet service providers can also download the Messenger software for free off the Web.

AOL users can instant message people who download the Messenger from the Web site - you just need your friend's InstantMessenger user name.

You don't have to enter a profile to use the Messenger; you may choose to be completely private.